In Indian Mexico (1908) eBook

“That man,” cried the professor, showing
his writ of authority from the jefe politico
of the district, “I order to be arrested.”

Jose did not flee. He was found next morning
in the bull ring riding a bull. He was arrested
by the Chicagoan’s orders, and taken to jail.
He was peremptorily ordered by the professor to appear
for the measurement. He escaped, and again defied
the powers. He was again caught, and it was explained
to him by the president that this man of might from
the beyond had sworn to drag Jose with him all the
way across this wild country slowly to Tehuantepec,
thence back to the city of Oaxaca, where the state
authorities would deal most painfully with him.
And this, indeed, in mighty manner and impressively,
had the “man from the beyond” sworn to
do. Jose came and was measured, and I afterward
saw him calling to the professor to come and take
a jolly drink out of the gourd he was shaking at him,
in the manner of a comrade.

In the afternoon, the work being done, the civilities
and sugared conduct must be continued, with a view
to future visits. The professor wanted to enter
the church, which, though modern, stands in the middle
of one of the mysterious ruins. The church was
locked, and the mayor-domo not to be found.

“But I must photograph a strange picture you
have in there.”

“The mayor-domo is drunk, at your service, my
most excellent friend,” replied the president,
sympathetically. “I am sorry, but he got
under the influence three days ago at the beginning
of the feast, and he has slept ever since. Ah,
the mayor-domo is sleeping now, my excellent friend,
and he has the keys.”

“You shall send a boy into the tower to ring
the bell and wake the mayor-domo,” cried the
professor.

The crowd sat on the stone steps, the bell was pealed,
and at last the church was opened, and the picture
photographed.

The procession then moved to the top of an ancient
pyramid, in which tombs have been opened, and bones
and gold ornaments found. The professor dashed
through all the tunnels, with the government after
him, before mounting to the top. On top a strange
conversation was held between the professor and the
president and secretary. They appealed to this
northern man, who seemed to have all earthly authority
back of him, to grant them one longed-for boon.
Would he not please speak, when he returned to the
capital, to the minister of encouragement, that he
send them a brass band! They wanted to welcome
northern visitors to the ruins with modern music.

“You have great power. You need but to
ask of those in Mexico and the band will come.
Most beloved friend, oh, most excellent professor from
the far north, give to us a brass band!” And
the professor promised to speak to Minister Leal about
it. Then, too, the beastly state government was
dragging some of their precious ruins away to put in
a museum. Would the professor please have the
kindness to stop this? The professor promised
to do what he could, and he was hugged and blessed
and patted by the simple people.